
KNUT 
AT ROESKILDE 



PHILIP MERIVALE 




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KNUT AT ROESKILDE 
A TRAGEDY 



THE CONTEMPORARY SERIES 


UNIFORM WITH THIS VOLUME 


Laodice and Danae 
By Gordon Bottomley 

Images— Old and New 
By Richard Aldington 


Play in One Act 
Poems 


Five Men and Pompey Dramatic Portraits 
By Stephen Vincent Benet 


Common Men and Women 
By Harold Gammans 


Rhythmus 
[Out of print] 


Horizons 

By Robert Alden Sanborn 


Poems 


The Marsh Maiden 
By Felix Gould 


And Other Plays 


Omar and the Rabbi Play in One Act 

By Frederick LeRoy Sargent 
The Tragedy Play in One Act 

By Gilbert Moyle [Out of print] 


The Smile of Mona Lisa 
By Jacinto Benavente 


Play in One Act 


The Lamp of Heaven Play in One Act 
By Mrs. L. Worthington Smith 


The Death of Titian A Dramatic Fragment 

By Hugo von Hofmannsthal 
The Wind Over the Water Play in One Act 

By Philip Merivale 


The English Tongue Poems 
By Lewis Worthington Smith [Out of print] 



KNUT AT ROESKILDE 

A TRAGEDY 



BY 

PHILIP MERIVALE 




Boston 

THE FOUR SEAS COMPANY 

1922 



Copyright, 1922, by 
The Four Seas Company 



All rights are expressly reserved. For rights of public per- 
formance, address the publishers, who are the author's agents. 



3^^' 






The Four Seas Press 
Boston, Mass., U. S. A. 



AUG -9 "22 

iCl.D 61745 



TO MY STOUT FRIEND 

CHARLES FRANCIS 

''per quern perire non licet meis nugis 
quaecumque lusi invenis at puer quondam" 



PERSONS 

King Knut 
Jarl Ulf 

SVEYN 

IvAR THE White 
Gylle 

ASTRID 

Six Women that Attend Astrid 
Warriors and Henchmen 



KNUT AT ROESKILDE 
A TRAGEDY 



SCENE I. 



The hall of Jarl Ulf's house at Roeskilde. On the 
right, set high in the wall is a long and narrow 
window facing south, close under which stands a 
table on trestles. Further back in the same wall is 
a doorway leading to the household's quarters, and 
closed by a heavy curtain, now drawn, of bear-skin. 
To the right of the back wall is the main door of the 
house, a heavily barred defence of oak, which is at 
present open, showing a wide white track, and be- 
yond this, on the further side of a valley, a dense 
region of black pine forest. Beside the door post is 
another window, furnished with a heavy shutter, 
which is also open. On the left of this window is 
the guest-chamber of the house. The Left wall 
is taken up by the broad hearth-stone on which 
a log- fire is now burning. Before this there 
stands a heavy square-table, at a sufficient distance 

[7] 



to allow room for a man to sit between table 
and hearth. A wooden stool stands there, and on 
the right of the table a more magnificent throne of 
carved oak. Wooden stools also stand by the other 
table. Among the shadows in the corner beyond the 
fire stands a harp, whose outline is made mystical, 
as it grows dusk, by the dancing flame and shadow. 
It is drawing towards sunset of Michaelmas Eve in 
the year of grace losj. 

AsTRiD is seated on the throne by the table. She is a 
young woman and beautiful. The daughter of 
SvEYN FoRKBEARD and direct descendant of Gorm 
of Denmark, she has not yet approved by experience 
her title to be the mother also of a line of kings, and 
to divert to the female side the sovereignty of Knut, 
which by the early death of his sons Harald and 
Harda-Knut was to perish from the male. A child's 
voice from outside startles her. 

SvEYN 

Mother. 

ASTRID 

Sveyn — Sveyn! Is it a sail at last? 

SvEYN 

No. Look! Oh, look! 

ASTRID 

Come in to me. What is it? 
[8] 



SVEYN 

Oh! He is a warrior. He has curled bull's horns 
On his helmet, and a spotted head against 
His ear. 

[AsTRiD goes to the door and looks out.] 

ASTRID 

Who, Sveyn? Why have you left him there? 

SVEYN 

[Now partly visible through the window.] 
He comes from Lymfjord in a Danish ship 
And he has blood on his sword. 

ASTRID 

Why do you stand 
Half-way between us? He has fought, it may be, 
Beside your father. Hasten and bring in 
Your father's comrade to his house. 
[Sveyn disappears.] 

I know 
He will have tidings of the battle of kings. 
[She piles wood on the fire. Sveyn enters, a hoy of 
twelve, simply dressed and bare-headed. He leads 
IvAR THE White by the hand. Ivar is a tall spare 
man of forty with dark cunning eyes. His hair 
and long moustache have been bleached by 
exposure. He zvears a cap of steel, furnished 
with bull's horns, and a leopard-skin hangs from his 
shoulders, with the head close under his ear. He 
carries a long bow, with a quiverful of arrows at his 
back and a sword at his thigh. Sveyn is excited.] 
[9] 



SVEYN 

He is hot from battle, mother. I have seen 
Blood on his sword still ! 

IVAR 

Hail, daughter of Sveyn. 

ASTRID 

You are welcome, stranger. Are you come indeed 
From the red field ? 

IVAR 

Before the birds were met 
Above the furrow, or the wolves come out, 
I left it. 

ASTRID 

Tell me what you have brought for me, 
Stranger. 

IVAR 

The war is done, blown by one gust 
From over the dark water. Victory 
Is with my lord the king. 

ASTRID 

There were three kings 
Met in this battle, sir, and one beside 
But little less,— 

IVAR 

The victory is with Knut, 
The king of England. 

ASTRID 

And the Dane with him ? 
Jarl Ulf that hastened to my brother Knut— ! 
Ah, tell me if you are hiding by your speech 
Some evil that is fallen to ou^ house. 

[lO] 



I am no maid to pine for a man's loss, 

But wife, and mother of a son, to bear 

A dead man's name and honor after him. 

Yet — ! Stranger, was not Ulf the Dane at sea 

Running before this late south-west in time 

To join his battle-cry with the three kings? 

IVAR 

I saw sun-kindled wings of an eagle burn 
On the wind, tower up, and stoop : and victory 
Was with our king. 

ASTRID V 

What are you hiding? Speak! 

IVAR 

The golden wings are free and unstricken yet. 

ASTRID 

Then fall my fears stricken, and my bright hope 
Soars up. 

IVAR 

But angered is the eagle's heart. 

ASTRID 

He is not hurt ! 

IVAR 

I saw no mark on him. 
The raven's wings are closed by Helge stream: 
They beak their meat. But wide are the bright wings 
Spread out for home, and flapping homeward lead 
The Golden Dragon to their nest. 

ASTRID 

The King! 
[II] 



IVAR 

I am come from Lym fjord over the water straight 
To bid prepare a welcome for the king, 
Who with your husband sailed for Elsinore 
To hold the passage of the Northern Seas, 
Thence purposing to come by land. 

ASTRID 

Your voice 
Strikes with a half-remembered emphasis. 
I have had speech with you, I know not where. 

IVAR 

But I remember well, sister of Knut: 
In the king's house of England, when I brought 
From the king's chamber sentence to your lord 
Of banishment. 

ASTRID 

Ivar of Norway. You 
Are Ivar, called the White! This second time 
You turn your edge against Olaf, your king. 

Ivar 
My king is he that can my will compel 
Unto his bidding. 

SVEYN 

[Getting impatient. ] 
Mother, he showed me blood 
On his sword-edge. 

[He goes to the door and looks out.] 

Ivar 
The king will be your guest. 
The hour I can not tell ; but we were thrown 

[12] 



By adverse winds a day out of our course. 
Will you not hasten to prepare for him? 

ASTRID 

We shall be ready. 

SVEYN 

[At the door.] 
Mother, a yellow ship 
Lies off in the bay, and our own galleys now 
Come round the point — a boat is at the wharf. 

ASTRID 

You said they purposed coming hither afoot ? 

IVAR 

No doubt it is the king's will. 

ASTRID 

I am glad 
Of their approach : and for your news, be you 
Welcome. 

[She goes out by the right to the inner rooms.] 

IVAR 

Jarl Ulf's ships ! 

[To SvEYN.] 

Tell me, had you none 
But women and the old men left at home? 

SvEYN 
[Coming to him.] 
Who else when Ulf my father sets his sail? 

SvEYN 
[As SvEYN makes for the door.] 
Stay, boy ! Where now will the cunning sailors sleep. 
The fighting men that follow Ulf to war? 

[13] 



Here on the height? Or lower down beUke 

By the wharf side, and round the edge of the bay? 

SVEYN 

Oh, by the water side, hard by the ships. 

Why do you carry bull's horns on your helmet? 

IVAR 

First tell me ! Now tonight they will draw up 
The galleys on the beach? 

SvEYN 

Yes, yes. Now tell me! 

IVAR 

Because the strength of the bull is in his horns. 

SvEYN 
I like the eagle wings my father wears. 

IvAR 
Oh, Ulf the Dane would fly into the Sun. 

SvEYN 

[Seriously.] 
He cannot fly with them. 

IVAR 

And you have said 
A wise thing. Let him learn the truth of you ! 

SvEYN 
Stranger, you do not know him. 
[Turns away.] 

IVAR 

[Holding him.] 

Is it his use 
To strike the tackle and bring oar and sail 

[14] 



Out of the long ships at the close of war? 
Tell me. 

[ The sound of angry voices comes from outside. \ 

SVEYN 

They are at hand. Let go, I say. 

IVAR 

Answer me, son of Ulf ! 

SVEYN 

I want to go. 

IVAR 

If you will tell me, you shall wear my sword: 
Look! with the blood on it! 

SvEYN 

Oh ! Yes, yes, yes ! 
We will go down together to the sea 
And watch our sailors. 

[Figures pass the window.] 

IVAR 

[Angrily, not perceiving them.] 
Tell me now ! 

SvEYN 

[Who has seen them.] 

Oh— father ! 
[IvAR quickly releases him and retires above the 
hearth: Sveyn runs up to the door on his cry, but 
falls back as a man strides in, quickly followed 
by another. The first man is not much above middle 
height but of commanding habit and great strength. 
He wears a corselet of leather covered with plates 
[IS] 



of gold and from his shoulders sweeps a scarlet 
mantle bordered with gold: on his head the helmet 
is of silver bound round with a golden circlet and 
crested by a golden dragon. His beard and hair are 
black, with a streak of white, and his eyes are grey 
and hard. He strides in and stands masterfully by 
the throne. The other man remains standing in the 
great doorway, framed against the sunset. His 
helmet is of silver surmounted by a towering pair of 
eagle wings. A huge man, he wears thick and heavy 
rings of copper and gold upon his bare arms, and 
a grey wolfskin and head hangs from his mighty 
shoulders. His hair and beard are red and his eyes 
deep blue. He looks bloody in the red of the sunset.] 

The First Man 
What further would you have of me? The time 
Is ripe for beggars when a king must supple 
And bow his back for subject-service done. 
You were not wont to whine for a sweet word, 
Ulf, nor to heap the vaunting of your deeds 
On their performance. You are wrong, I say, 
To call me thankless. 

Ulf 
Was it I who spake? 
Or have my actions need of vaunting now? 
Why, in no little matter I have served you 
And asked no payment for it, but this only, 
That those with me who put across the sound — 
To right your folly, king, — should come safe home. 
And leave your galleys and your men to hold 
The passage of the straits at Elsinore. 
And this I have done as I swore to them 

[i6] 



The day we launched — upon your mission, king. 

But at Roeskilde I am host, and here 

Are men and ships enough to wait on you. * 

In this I would not yield, having no more 

But your plain will to govern my obedience. 

For I am not a dog to run indoors 

Without a reason given and no grace shown, 

Because a master of slaves has bidden me. 

This is not England, king, but on this coast 

You hear the speech of Danes. 

Knut 

Ay — courteous speech ! 
Will you put off your fealty at once 
And shed subjection with your mail tonight? 
Do you ask for service done to be henceforth 
Exempt from service, duty, and submission? 
Perchance I rate not at your count the cost 
Of a few sword-blows and a stroke of the oars. 
Have I not thanked you? 

Ulf 

I will no more say 
You are thankless, king. I am a thousand times 
Paid for the little that you have accepted 
Of me. 

Knut 
I have undervalued your approach 
And sword-play among the ships, you'd say? 

Ulf 

How long 
Since I and mine dragged out your ships and you 
From Lymfjord creeks? 

[17] 



Knut 

There could have been no end 
But this to that day's fighting: for the ships 
Of Onund and of Olaf are but skiffs 
And wherries to the Golden Dragon's deck. 
There was less danger there, belike, than here. 

Ulf 
I would to God then I had left you there 
To work your own way out. 

Knut 

I know your heart. 

Ulf 
Your pardon, king, I should have held my peace. 

[He goes to the door and shouts.] 
Draw up the ships above the high-tide mark, 
And every man return unto his house. 

[SvEYN runs to his father.] 

Knut 
[Without turning his head.] 
Ivar. 

[IvAR attends without answering.] 
At nightfall quietly post the crew 
Of the Golden Dragon round the house. I have left 
Too many ships at Elsinore to sleep 
In safety here. Bid Gylle wait on me. 

Ulf 
[Returning.] 
For that wherein I offended give me pardon, 
And think that in some sort the fault was yours 
Who took at my hands such a gift as makes 

[i8] 



The noblest blood a beggar to receive, 
Without a sign of thanks. I'll say no more. 
[IvAR goes out.] 

Knut 
You dwell too much on these same services. 
Your life is but a tributary, Jarl, 
To the main flood of mine — and still the more 
For that of old in England I restored you 
The life you forfeited by treasons proved. 
[Gylle enters.] 

Ulf 
[Abruptly.] 
Be welcome here ! 

[He takes off his helmet and gives it to Sveyn who sets 
it on the table by the window. The sun goes down 
behind the pines and it grows grey without: but the 
room is ruddy and warm from the fire-blaze.] 

Knut 
Gylle, remain. 

Ulf 

Tonight 
My son shall be your squire. 

[Knut turns and sees Sveyn.] 

Knut 

Come hither, boy. 
What is your name? 

Sveyn 
I am Sveyn, the son of Ulf 
Jarl of Roeskilde, king. 

[i9l 



Knut 

You are the heir 
Of a good heritage. 

SVEYN 

Why, I shall be 
A captain of the deep-sea galleys, king. 

Knut 
You have a stout heart, like your sire. 

SvEYN 

There's none 
Greater nor braver in the North. 

Knut 

I think 
There is. 

SvEYN 

I know him not. 

Knut 

You have yet to learn. 
You are else no squire for me. 

Ulf 
[Sheltering Sveyn's confusion.] 

The king would say 
You should regard himself before all men. 
Even your father, as the stoutest heart 
That beats in Denmark. 

Knut 
Yes, by the eyes of God. 
Let this be not forgotten in your house, 
Ulf. 

[2G] 



Ulf 
Sveyn shall learn no less than fits a Dane. 

Knut 
Out of your mouth, Jarl, and your hasty speech ? 

Ulf 

From my heart's utterance and exemplary — 
The battles on a hundred beaches, king. 
This by his mother's tales of me shall teach 
My son right conduct for this life. 

.Knut 

His mother ! 
Where is the lady Astrid? Did we not 
Send forward messengers to herald us? 

Ulf 
The lady Astrid will be justified. 

Knut 
I fear we have taken you in unreadiness 
And thereby marred the welcome you would else 
Have carefully provided. 

[Astrid re-enters from the right clothed in white and 
gold, with a scarlet hood and train sweeping from 
her shoulders, and a fillet of gold about her head, 
woven also into her hair. Two women in white 
dresses hear her train, and four others follow, hear- 
ing rushes and flag-flowers. Astrid moves like a 
queen, and her obeisance to the king is majestic] 

[21] . 



ASTRID 

Sire, forgive me! 
I am not at heart so tardy a hostess, brother, 
As the quick minutes show me. And I crave 
Your pardon more for them, being well assured 
You know my love and gladness to behold 
My brother's face here in my husband's house. 

Knut 

Nay, Sveyn's sweet daughter, kneel not to his son. 
[He rises, lifts her affectionately, and kisses her. 
The fault was ours to come so closely on. 
We had meant to march afoot from Elsinore, 
But were persuaded by Jarl Ulf to board 
And make more swiftly by the water home. 

ASTRID 

But with more time we had prepared a welcome 
More royal, Knut. 

Knut 
The welcome I accept, 
Becometh royal by the grace in me ! 

{He returns to his angry brooding.] 

ASTRID 

Will you sup, sire? 

Knut 
We have supped upon the ship. 

ASTRID 

Yet drink for our love's sake. 

[22] 



Knut 

I am not thirsty. 
Gylle, pour it ! 

[Ulf throws his sword violently on the table. It 
slides from the sheath on to the floor.] 

SVEYN 

Oh! Have you broken 
The hilt? 

[He runs to pick it up.] 

Knut 
Well — is it broken? 

Ulf 

Sheathe it, Sveyn. 

Knut 
I think it lies too loosely in the scabbard. 

Ulf 
None but my folk shall wait upon you here : 
Astrid, my wife, shall pour the wine for you 
And Sveyn, my son, be your sole cup-bearer. 

Knut 
[Indifferently, seeing Ivar in the doorway.] 
If you will have it so — ! 

[Astrid enters the guest-chamber with Sveyn fol- 
lowed by the women. Ulf goes after them.] 

Knut 
[As IvAR comes to his side.] 

Ulf s men are scattered? 
Quick ! 

[23] 



IVAR 

As he bade them; and the sailor- folk 
Draw up the galleys and dismantle them 
Even now, beside the water. 

Knut 

And our men? 

IVAR 

Three-score and ten at nightfall will approach 
And hold the road till day-break. 

Knut 

Go you down, 
Gylle, and bid them have a care tonight 
That not a hand be raised nor a foot stir 
Till I give order. For I think the Jarl 
Is too well wedded with too sweet a wife 
To be this first night dangerous. 

[Gylle goes out by the main door and disappears past 
the window.] 

Yet he is 
A mighty warrior in the common mouth 
Here. 

IVAR 

There is many a song in Denmark, kibg, • 
Was never heard in England. 

Knut 

I will make 
New songs for them, to drive the memory 
Of the old out of their heads; and of such themes 
As shall be over the great waters heard: 
And little names shall not be found in them 

[24] 



Of deep sea-thieves and fore-shore-acre-kings. 
Well, if he has a stout arm — ? 

IVAR 

And a heart. 
I laid no more than treason to his charge. 

Knut 
And that was ten years since in England. 

IVAR 

Here 
In Denmark he has nursed his rage ten years. 

Knut 
A crown would grace his red hair. 

IVAR 

Shall I then 
Disarm you, king? 

Knut 
Think me not feeble grown 
Or womanish. I am in that mind still 
Wherein you found me, a ready listener 
To your Suspicion. But I seemed to hear 
Relenting in your speech of him, and sought 
If in your mind were any trace of change. 

IVAR 

I am of one niind as of one life, and that 

To your sole interest bound. 

[Jarl Ulf re-enters: he carries his wolfskin on his 
arm, and throws it down on the trestle-table: he 
stretches his limbs, and seems altogether relaxed.] 

[25] 



Knut 
[Pleasantly.] 

You are weary, brother? 

Ulf 

No more than a good workman that lays down 
His scythe at sunset to be ready at dawn 
For the day's reaping. With your leave I'll take 
Your sword and heavy hauberk from you, king. 
And be your squire. 

Knut 
Did you not promise me 
Your son to do this office ? Well. Take this — ! 
[He hands him the helmet which Ulf sets on the table 
beside him, and then proceeds to unfasten his corse- 
let. Knut shakes back his long hair and stretches 
himself while Ulf is engaged.] 
So for this season we have made an end 
Of war. The ships will keep the sound for me, 
And Olaf will not launch a galley again 
Till the spring comes. I hold our peace secure. 
[Ulf has removed the corselet and now begins to un- 
fasten his sword.] 
No, leave me that. A little while I'll wear 
My sword. 

Ulf 
In peace? 

Knut 
A httle while I'll wear 
My sword. 

[Gylle enters and comes into the king's line of vision 
behind Ulf.] 

[26] 



Ulf 

Three hundred swords now barely cool 
I have in hearing, king. Will you not loose 
This blade of yours and sleep secure tonight? 
I pray you. 

Knut 
[Having dismissed Gylle with a glance.] 
Shall I hold myself secure? 
You will forgive me, Ulf. I know not yet 
How far the seed of discord and rebellion 
Have in my absence spread. I have returned 
This year to no familiar, ancient home, 
But Denmark is a country strange to me. 
And all the faces of my countrymen 
Hard riddles, and no speaking vows. I scan 
And question all, trust none. 

[Ulf strides in wrath to the door. Nothing can be 
seen but the grey road and the deep black of the 
forest against the dark sky. Astrid re-enters with 
SvEYN, ijuho carries a cup. The six women, having 
strewn the rushes on the floor of the bedchamber, 
go out to the right.] 

Astrid 

Have a care, Sveyn. 

SVEYN 

[In an awed whisper to her.] 
Now shall I bear it to my uncle? 

Knut 
[To Gylle.] 

And you — 
[Turning to Sveyn.] 

[27] 



Yes, nephew, bring it hither — that is done 
I bade you, Gylle? 

Gylle 
Yes, sire. 

Knut 
Well then, Sveyn. 
[SvEYN holds out the cup.] 
Drink of it first. 

[Knut watches Astrid, whose eyes are untroubled and 
innocent. Sveyn also looks to his mother for in- 
struction. ] 

Astrid 
Drink, Sveyn, your uncle bids you. 
[Sveyn drinks. Ulf swings violently down.] 

Ulf 
Will you drink now, king? 

Sveyn 
[Making a wry face.] 

Oh! How sour it is. 

Knut 
It is no dishonorable office, Jarl, 
To taste of a king's wine-cup. Let me drink. 
[Knut drinks. Sveyn retreats to his father and 
mother, who stand together by the trestle-table.] 

Astrid 
Ulf — Ulf, what is amiss? 

Ulf 

The pride of Gorm 
That owes bv Knut a debt to me this day. 

[28] 



ASTRID 

You are unwounded? 

Ulf 
Oh, all is well with me. 
When come you after me to battle, Sveyn? 

ASTRID 

Not yet for many a year. 

Sveyn 

Why, by the Spring 
I shall be big enough. 

ASTRID 

You are not old enough, 
My babe. 

[She caresses him, but he breaks from her.] 

Sveyn 
I am old enough. I am no babe. 

Ulf 

[Setting him on the table.] 
Nay ! How he's grown ! Come, draw the long sword 

now! 
[Sveyn pulls out the heavy broadsward. Knut sends 
IvAR across to them. ] 

Knut 
Bring the boy hither. Gorm shines out in him. 

IVAR 

[To Ulf.] 
The king would speak with your tall pirate. Come ! 

[29] 



SVEYN 

[As IvAR carries him.] 
This blade is longer than that knife of yours ! 
[To Astrid's terror he carries Sveyn, sword in hand, 
and sets him down before the king, standing over 
him and excluding the Jarl and herself from the 
group by his back.] 

Knut 
Whose is the sword you bear? 

SvEYN 

My father's, king. 

Knut 

You should not have drawn sword but at my word. 

Did you not know that? 

[SvEYN looks up at IvAR who reproves him officiously.] 

IVAR 

You must learn respect. 
Will you not? 

[SvEYN runs away to Ulf.] 

Ulf 
Why, the lad is but a babe. 

Knut 
Let him not play with swords then. If he be 
Too young to draw a blade in the king's battle 
He is not yet fit to draw for your delight. 

Ulf 
King, will you search in every act of mine 
For symbols of disloyalty? I could twist 
Out of the noblest utterance blasphemy. 
In your own mind the evil — 

[30] 



ASTRID 

[Intervening.] 

Why, it is dark. 

I will bid them set the torches up — and Sveyn 

Shall go to bed. 

[She takes him out to the inner rooms on the right, 
Knut has already plunged into converse with Ivar. 
Ulf pulls the main door to, holts and bars it, then 
sits sullenly in the chair by the trestle table, staring 
moodily at his winged helmet and at a star that 
shines through the narrow window.] 

Knut 
[To Ivar.] 
What did she say when first 
Your tidings broke upon her? 

Ivar 

Why, she claimed 
And hailed the victory as it were a crown 
For one head only. 

Knut 
Ay, for that red hair. 
But this boy Sveyn has a king's blood in him. 

Ivar 

She honored Ulf, her husband, with her lips; 
But in her heart she crowned him — as I knew 
By reading her clear eyes. 

Knut 
What, fallen so low! 
She — Sigrid's daughter to crown in her heart 
Ulf ! I will make him now my mountebank. 
Go bid the hero sing. 

[31] 



IVAR 

[Going softly to Ulf.] 
Jarl! 

Ulf 

[Starting and reaching for his sword.] 
Ha! Who is it? 

IVAR 

What ! Is the word so sharp, sir, that you leap 

As if I had thrust white steel between your shoulders? 

Ulf 
That thrust had been your last, Ivar of Norway ! 

IVAR 

I had not needed more. The king requires you 
To touch the harp. We know your skill with it. 

Knut 

[Seeing Ulf hesitate.] 
We have remembered your old cunning, Ulf, 
When in the English winter you would wile 
A twilight hour with Northern songs away. 
[Two men enter from the right with torches, which 
they set in sconces, and go out.] 

Ulf 

I am your servant in this house. 

[He takes the harp from the shadozvs and seats him- 
self before the king.] 

Knut 

What song 
Most pleased me then? 

[32] 



Ulf 

[Touching the strings.] 

I'll sing you a new song, king. 
How Edane out of Ireland turned the heart 
Of Gudbrand by submission from his lust 
To pity and love. 

IVAR 

He sailed with Tryggveson ! 

Knut 
I never heard the queen was subject to him! 
[Ulf strikes the chords. Gylle is huddled asleep by 

the fire: Ivar stands motionless behind Knut. Ulf 

sings. ] 

Under the pine-branches from dawn to the dusk of day. 

By the waters of Kaare Edane the fair queen lay, 

Edane of the Red Wreath that crowned her temples pale, 

Whom Gudbrand Thordson brought out of Innisfail. 

On the Autumn winds he brought her, that blow from the 

island green, 
To be a slave in Kaare, Edane that was a queen. 
But alone all day in the pinewood she lay out, watching 

the sea, 
And the red sails and the white sails and the gannet 

sloping free. 

Knut 

I'll hear no more of captives brought along 

In the wake of Olaf Tryggveson, tonight. 

Was it but yesterday or a hundred years 

Since we threw down his heir in Lymfjord bays? 

Ulf 
[Still playing.] 
The deeds of mighty men may yet make songs 
In the mouth of a brave enemy. Hear now ! 

[33] 



Now in the islands 

Westward of England, 

On a Good Friday, 

Thus it befell 

Olaf the Norseman, 

Bright son of Tryggve. 

Bright were the broadswords 

Circling in sunlight; 

On the wet sea-beach 

Bright were the dripping prows. 

Bright the long oars. 



[He pauses, then crashes out.] 



By God I would now 
I had been there. 



[Knut starts up, and strides to the door of the guest- 
chamber. Ulf is rapt in his music and goes on 
dreamily. Knut leans on the curtain of his door 
and listens as if compelled against his will. Ivar 
also is fiercely moved by the music] 

Ulf 

Stay! I will sing of frightened eyes and soft 

Ministering hands of women unto men 

After long viking turned again toward home. 

These have the brine in their bleached yellow hair, 

Their eyes are stung with the bitter wind and spray 

And sore with gazing over the desolate deep. 

And some have been much wounded, and the blood 

Is dry upon their mail : and they are sick 

For home. So now they shall have rest awhile: 

Until the year change and the season come 

Betwixt the sowing and the reaping months 

[34] 



Or after harvest till the ploughing-dawns, 

When the wind shall call them out and the waves carry 

them 
And to their quickening ears the song of the pine 
Shall echo in the curved sea-beaten planks. 
And then the hearts of men grow weary again 
For the troubled waters and the spaces wide : 
Their sleep is broken and the arms of women 
Hold them at home no longer. 

[At the beginning of this speech, which he utters in a 
monotonous chant, Astrid re-enters, standing mo- 
tionless, watching him as the others are watching, in 
silence: but at this point she folds her arms about his 
head and clasps it to her breast.] 

Astrid 

Ulf ! But you 
Shall go not for the calling of the winds 
Or sounding of the waters. 



Ulf 

I have that, 
Sweet wife, here planted in the Danish earth 
Shall keep me at home, a careful husbandman. 



Knut 

Will you not, sister, since by his own word 
We have lost Jarl Ulf your husband, trust to me 
Your son to breed in England? 

[35] 



ASTRID 

There's one soil only 
Sire, for a Dane to grow on. 

Knut 

ril not press you 
Further. 

ASTRID 

If you would sleep now, brother, all 
Is ready. 

Knut 
I am not ready yet for sleep. 
My mind is vigilant. Are you yet awake, 
Ulf? 

Ulf 
Do mine eyes look heavy? 

Knut 

Bring the chess 
And play with me. 

ASTRID 

What, brother, will you play 
So late — and you so weary both ? 

Ulf 

Bring hither 
The board. 

[She takes the harp to its place and brings the board 
and chessmen from the same place.] 

Knut 
What stake set you in this, Jarl Ulf? 

[36] 



Ulf 
I'll play for no stake with a guest of mine. 
'Tis not my custom. 

[He seats himself with his back to the fire.] 

Knut 
If you doubt your skill 
Play for good faith. 

Ulf 
[Setting out the pieces.] 

That cannot be redeemed, 
Being lost. Though I were certain of my skill 
I should not set mine honour on my wits. 

Knut 
You are wise to keep them separate, so you save 
One part of manhood if the other's lost. 

Ulf 

Bid Sveyn be up betimes to go to church, 
Astrid, with me. Good-night. 

Knut 

Sister of mine. 
Will you not see this match? 

Astrid 

Alas ! my lord, 
I know no move of it. 

Knut 
Watch me and learn. 

Astrid 
I could not master it in an evening. 

[37] 



Knut 

No? 
Good-night. I should do wrong to rob you of sleep. 

ASTRID 

Sire, may I go? 

Knut 
[More kindly; going to her.] 
Daughter of Sveyn, good-night. 
Forget not you the tx)nd that joins us still, 
Though the sea part us and new interest 
Appear to sever. Go now, and good rest. 
[AsTRiD goes out, Knut returns to his seat smiling.] 
How went the games of old we played in England? 
I beat you mostly, if I remember. 

Ulf 

Yes. 
The White to me. 

[He opens: they play quickly at first.] 

Knut 
[Tossing aside a pawn.] 
So, I have drawn first blood. 

Ulf 
[Taking one of his.] 
And so; we are equal, king. 

Knut 
[Taking another.] 

By no means, Jarl. 
[They play on more intently: neither has much advan- 
tage but the king becomes morose as he finds he 
cannot win easily, his face with every piece taken 
[38] 



from Ulf lighting up fiercely, and darkening as he 
loses his own. Ulf is engrossed in the game, but 
Knut's eyes are more constantly on Ulf's face than 
on the hoard.] 

Ulf 
[Moving a knight.] 
Check. 

Knut 
Is it? How? From, whom? 

Ulf 

Sire, from this knight. 
You should have taken him on your last move. 
[Ulf is studying the hoard in excitement and delight, 
unaware that Knut is watching him keenly. There 
is a long pause.] 

Ulf 
Your move, sire. 

Knut 
There's my king. 

Ulf 

And my queen follows. 
Knut 
Ah! 

[ Without deliberation, and with a contemptuous ejacu- 
lation he takes Ulf's knight with his own.] 
Well then, now your knight. 

Ulf 

[Rapidly taking Knut's knight with his queen.] 
Check from my queen ! 

[39] 



Knut 
Give me my knight again. Set back the piece. 
I will not have it so. I'll play it again. 

Ulf 

[Losing all control and kicking over the board.] 
Let it stay there for me. I'll play no more. 
[He strides furiously to the door of the inner rooms.] 

Knut 
Yes. Run away, then, Ulf the Coward. 

Ulf 
[ Turning. ] 

King! 
Yourself had run further by Helge strand 
Had I but left you by yourself to battle. 
You did not call me Ulf the Coward then. 
Arrived full sail to help you, while the Swedes 
Were beating you like a dog. 

[So he strides out of the room. Knut sits very still 
and cold, watching him out.] 

Knut 
Ay, So! March on! 
Ivar ! — With queen and knight to checkmate king ! 
I should have taken it on my last move ! 
Sveyn never should have let his daughter go 

[IvAR comes before him.] 
To this Jarl Ulf. Well, did you watch the game? 

IVAR 

King — there was no checkmate. 

l4o] 



Knut 

You are rig'ht, Ivar. 
The game is not concluded. To your place. 
You'll get no sleep tonigtht, my leopard. Watch. 
[Ivar lets himself out through the house-door: as he 
opens it a glimpse is caught of moonlight on a line 
of rigid spear-heads and helmets. Knut also goes 
up, and the spears are silently lowered in salute. 
Then Ivar vanishes, swinging the door behind him, 
Knut returns to the table in deep thought.] 
Be it in my own heart — the deep resolve, 
The unrelenting action, and thereafter 
Judgment: and no man's hand to sway my course 
With popular wisdom and a low regard, 
And ancient readings of an altered sky. 

[He stirs Gylle with his foot.] 
Are you asleep, boy ? Wake, Gylle, awake ! 

[Gylle stretches himself and leaps to his feet.] 
I am for bed now. Wake me at dawn, and be 
Yourself dressed then and girded. 

[Gylle sees the scattered chessmen.] 
Yes. Tomorrow 
I'll show you a move I missed tonight. We'll play 
This game afresh, Jarl Ulf, Astrid, and I. 

[They go out into the guest-chamber.] 

[curtain] 



[41] 



SCENE II. 

The same, after sunrise. Sveyn is alone. He is 
dressed in scarlet and gold, with a fillet of gold in his 
hair and a golden cross embroidered on his tunic, 
for it is Michaelmas day. He is trying Knut's 
helmet on his head. It nearly extinguishes him: 
AsTRiD enters and finds him so. 

ASTRID 

My small boy, put it off. 

Sveyn 
Look at me, mother. 

ASTRID 

I can scarce see you, funny little boy. 
Put it away. 

[Sveyn lays it on the table.] 

Sveyn 
When shall I have one, mother, 
Of my own? 

ASTRID 

Not yet for years. 

Sveyn 

With a gold band 
Like this around it? 

[He rubs his forefinger on the crown.] 

[42] 



ASTRID 

Nay, God guard you, no. 

SVEYN 

Why, if my uncle has just such a band, 
May I not too? 

ASTRID 

That is a king's crown, Sveyn, 
Which only may a king's son carry. You 
Must wear great golden eagle wings, like those 
Your father wears. 

Sveyn 
But Ivar laughed at them. 

ASTRID 

You must not heed the stranger. He knows naught 
Of us. 

Sveyn 
He said my father could not fly 
Unto the sun with these. Why do you frown? 
Ivar was kind to me. 

ASTRID 

You must not speak — 
You must not see him again. Ask me not why. 
These things you yet shall learn of, but not now. 

Sveyn 
But I have heard my father say himself 
That I am sprung of a true line of kings, 
And Gorm of Denmark was my ancestor. 
And Sveyn of the Fork-Beard my grandfather. 
So I will have a crown like this, not wings. 

[43] 



ASTRID 

When did you hear your father say it, boy? 
Yoti did not hear aright ? Tell me ! 

SVEYN 

Oh, yes. 
Ho ! Ho ! My father came to my bed last night 
And thought I was asleep : for there he said 
That I was royal in bearing and in blood. 

ASTRID 

Hush — No — . No — Sveyn, my darling, do not think it. 
You are the son of a king's daughter only 
And must subject yourself to the king's son. 

Sveyn 
I am Ulf's son, and yours. 

ASTRID 

And then he stayed 
How long with you? — till dawn? — 

Sveyn 

Oh, no ! 

ASTRID 

And did you 
Answer him? 

Sveyn 
Nay, not I. He would have said 
"Go to sleep, boy," if he had found me awake. 
So I lay very quiet with my eyes shut 
To hear if he spoke more. 

ASTRID 

What should he say 
But "goodnight" to you, baby? 

[44] 



SVEYN 

It might be 
He should have promised me a horse to ride 
This morning, or a sail in a swift ship. 
Then, if I heard, I could have held him to it. 

ASTRID 

Think, Sveyn, and tell me! Did he say no more? 

SvEYN 

No more. 

ASTRID 

I am glad. 

Sveyn 
Yes — "He is an envious thief," 
He said, "of honors w^on by better men." 

ASTRID 

Who is a thief— ? 

SvEYN 

He spoke no name. I know. 

ASTRID 

You are a babe. 

SvEYN 

My uncle Knut. 

ASTRID 

No, no! 
You must forget all that you heard last night. 
It was a dream, Sveyn : this you did not hear 
But dreamt and woke upon. 

[45] 



SVEYN 

I do not like 
My uncle Knut with his old magpie beard. 
My father's taller by a head than he. 
[Ulf enters silently from without and embraces 
AsTRiD, who starts.] 

ASTRID 

Ah, God! 

Ulf 
Astrid ! 
[SvEYN returns to his playing with the helmet, which 
takes the mischievous form of trying to loosen the 
rivets of the crown with his little finger-nails.] 

Astrid 
Where lay you all last night, 
Husband ? 

Ulf 
We rose so late from play that I 
Came not to you lest I should spoil your rest. 

Astrid 
Why came you not to your rest ? 

Ulf 

Oh, my queen. 
At midnight were you waking? Heard you aught? 

Astrid 
I know not if awake I was and heard 
Sooth, or asleep, and in a dream was ware 
Of the North-East wailing through trees. 

[46] 



Ulf 

You say 

As in a dream? 

ASTRID 

And it might be anon 
The rattle of dry branches : which is strange 
For the trees yet are thick with leaves — gold — red. 

Ulf 

You looked not from your window? No? 

ASTRID 

I closed 

Mine eyes, husband, and prayed to hear your step. 

Ulf 
Last night his spearmen stood around the house 
In a double row, like spirits under the moon. 
I passed amidst them, thinking that almost 
My breath should scatter them. 

ASTRID 

What do you fear ? 
Ulf 
[Laughing.] 
Nothing. Look where the field was strown last night. 

SVEYN 

Oh ! I have hurt my finger ! 

ASTRID 

Do you fear 

Nothing? 

Ulf 
You will but break your nails in vain 
Upon the crown, Sveyn. 

[47] 



ASTRID 

I beseech you — fear ! 
Ulf 

[To SVEYN.] 

Leave it, and pick up these. 

[SvEYN sits on the floor and begins a new game, with 

the chessmen, setting them against each other by 

color. ] 

ASTRID 

What mood is this 
The king my brother wears? Ulf, I have kept 
Silence upon a rack of questions. Now 
I can no longer. What offence of yours 
Has overlaid our kinsman's face with cloud? 

Ulf 

Why, no offence but to have yielded him 
A gift no sovran bounty can afford 
At will. His crown, his freedom, and his life 
I snatched again from Olaf's closing grasp 
And gave him. For on Lymf jord while he lay 
Unguarded, Olaf let the rivers down 
That in their mountain-sources he had dammed : 
Then, joined with Omund, followed at the heel 
Of the consuming flood. Thereon came I 
And dragged Knut out of his disaster. This 
He'll not forgive me soon. But it may be 
That in his old age he shall warm his hands 
By the fire and say — "This spark I owe to Ulf." 

ASTRID 

Ah — waste not words! What else befell last night? 

[48] 



Ulf 
He pricked me past endurance. I have not 
Assumed such service as he'd force me to; 
And Hke a horse I kicked over the trace. 
[He laughs.] 

ASTRID 

Oh, rash, rash lord ! 

Ulf 
Had I not borne enough? 

ASTRID 

I am not chiding. But why have you spoken 
Your anger out in hearing of the boy? 
Why, if you cared for my rest, did you wake 
Our son last night from his, 

Ulf 

I waked him not. 
Sveyn — why, what have you there? 

SVEYN 

Two armies, father. 
These white are our men, and the red the king's. 
They will not fight because 'tis Michael's Mass 
But cannot join, being red and white you see. 

Ulf 
Our men are the king's men too. Forget not that. 
Come hither. 

[To ASTRID.] 

He shall testify of me 
That I am innocent of seditious speech 
Before him. Now, Sveyn. Have I said in wrath 
One word before you since I have come home.-" 

[49] 



SVEYN 

Nothing in wrath. 

Ulf 
You hear him? 

SvEYN 

But last night 
You called my uncle Knut an envious thief. 

Ulf 
What? — ^^well! You should go earlier to your bed. 
If you keep men's hours you must hear men's speech. 
You are too wakeful. Now forget it all. 

ASTRID 

How can you teach forgetfulness? 

Ulf 

Then be 
Silent, my son. Your father is not false 
To any man : nor will be to himself. 
Go to your game again. 

[SvEYN returns to the floor.] 
I will not bear 
More than a free man may and yet be free. 
I beat him at the chess. 

ASTRID 

Oh, Ulf, my Ulf! 
What have you staked upon the checker-board? 

[so] 



Ulf 
Nothing. I proved myself his better still. 

ASTRID 

If you be so why have you not dissembled 
Your strength? 

Ulf 
Why should I hide the very tree 
From which he gathers fruit? While he is true 
My strength is his. Let him rejoice in it. 
Let him believe my actions, which have still 
Proclaimed the heart within me. 

ASTRID 

You are yet 
A babe, Ulf. 

Ulf 
Nay. I am the master here. 
This English king of Denmark — or this Dane 
Who dwells in England — is our guest, 'fore whom 
I'll not dissemble. Here he will not dare 
To lay a hand on me. 

ASTRID 

If you have listened 
To that fear, I may something soothe my own. 
I dread your rashness more than his intent. 

Ulf 
I know not that to fear it. 

[51] 



ASTRID 

Ah! You speak 
Lightly. You cannot laugh yourself to health 
Nor make yourself by scorn of him secure, 
Ulf. He's the son of Sveyn of the Forkbeard 
Who died far distant in a conquered land: 
He is the son of Sigrid the proud Queen 
That burned her royal lovers in one house. 
He is hasty, but of conquering blood; he is not 
Weak. Will you take no warning? Can you not 
Subdue your heart this once to harbor fear 
As a good watchdog over your interest? 

Ulf 
I cannot change my life. To the uttermost 
I have lived it out in truth and open dealing 
With all men. If we meet as enemies 
Let victory befall the stronger. 

ASTRID 

Which—? 
Nay — do not knit your brows ! — Which is the stronger? 

[Ulf laughs confidently.] 
Ah, God ! I hate your laughter. It hath crept 
Unto your bosom like a lover, to play 
The traitor to you. 

Ulf 
Wear no mourning looks 
This bright St. Michael's morn, I am your lord, 
And living yet. You shall not need to mourn. 

[A bell begins to ring.] 
Sveyn ! 

[52] 



SVEYN 

[Leaping up.] 
Is it time? 

Ulf 
Come now to church with me. 
After, we will attend the kin.^ at breakfast. 

SvEYN 
Wear your sword, father. 

Ulf 

Ay, of the spirit, Sveyn : 
That is right armour for the day. 

Sveyn 

I trust 
The shiny sort more. 

ASTRID 

Come back quickly to me. 
I am afraid. 

Ulf 
Run you before me, Sveyn. 
[Sveyn runs out.] 
You are my brave wife. When the ships have stayed 
By winter bound or contrary winds, you still 
Have borne a stout heart under fear : and now 
I go these paces to the Church you — 

ASTRID 

Ulf! 
Comfort me not with kindness. I must bear 
What is the forfeit of my high estate — 
Ulf's wife. If aught there be to fear for you, 
Forget not that I am no tender dream 

[S3] 



That a boy wastes his leisure with, but wife, 

And mother of a son that is the heir 

Of honor, high estate, and perilous power. 

Ulf 

Well, then, last night, since none prevented me 
I gathered by the shore a galley's crew 
And had a ship run out and tackle set. 
And in the stall a saddled horse is ready : 
So on a threat from yonder guest, I flee 
To Norway in a breath, and give my sword 
To Olaf, who will prize it. Let me go. 
Or Sveyn will knock at Heaven-gate before me. 
[The bell stops.] 

ASTRID 

Since you have taken order I return 
To my entreaties and my woman's fears. 
Come back, and bring our son again to me. 
Is he not bonny, Ulf? 

Ulf 
Fit to be king. 

ASTRID 

No, no : but he's well grown. 

Ulf 

He is as fair 
As his fair mother, loyal and frank and brave. 
If he but have his father's limbs — the rest 
I'd have yours only. 

[He kisses her and goes out. With a sigh Astrid 
turns from the door and begins to gather up the 
[54] 



chessmen. Gylle enters from the king's chamber, 
but hesitates, seeing her.] 

ASTRID 

Is your master awake? 

Gylle 
The king is stirring now. 

ASTRID 

This night I fear 
Has been but a short season for repose. 
Was his sleep sound? 

Gylle 
The king slept well. 
[He turns to go out.] 

ASTRID 

But now 
Where go you? Hath my brother sent for me? 

Gylle 
Madam, not yet. I am sent to seek the Jarl, 
Your husband. 

ASTRID 

Say the Jarl has gone but now — 

Gylle 
Whither? — That I may hasten after him. 

ASTRID 

Is it so urgent? 

Gylle 
I was sent to bid him 
Hasten. 

[55] 



ASTRID 

What instant need of haste? 

Gylle 

Ah, madam — 
The king commanded: I can say no more. 

ASTRID 

So soon as he returns I will acquaint him 

With the King's pleasure. But by this he has reached 

St. Luke's Church. 

Gylle 
Is he in church? 
[Knut enters, dressed in a linen tunic of pure white, 
with a silver cross on the breast. ] 



Well, is it done. 



Knut 

Gylle? 

Gylle 
Sire! 

Knut 
Well, what tidings? 

Gylle 

Sire, the Jarl 
Is gone to Church. 

ASTRID 

St. Luke's, my brother. 

Knut 

What, 
The loved Physician? Sister, how do you fare? 
Well, boy, why do you tarry? 

(56] 



Gylle 
[Whispering.] 

< Sire — in church? 

Knut 
Did I not bid you find him? and being found 
Why do you now delay to bring him hither? 

Gylle 
In Church, sire ! 

Knut 
[To AsTRiD who has collected the chessmen.] 
Here last night was fought and lost 
A bloodless battle, sister. Well, boy, well ! 
Send Ivar to me then ! 

[Gylle goes out by the main door.] 
Why do you start? 

ASTRID 

I do not like the Norseman. 

Knut 
Why? 

ASTRID 

If only 
Because he hath been ever our enemy. 

Knut 
If you deserve no enemy you have 
No cause to fear one. If you have deserved 
You make him as liable to fears as you. 

ASTRID 

His slander of my husband darkens yet 
Your thought of us, my brother. 

[57] 



Knut 

Is my thought 
Dark of you? 

ASTRID 

Have you not in every word 
Sought for a knife concealed? 

Knut 
[Looking out of the door.] 

'Tis a keen morning. 
These days of Autumn whet your appetite. 
I am hungry, Astrid, and would break my fast. 

ASTRID 

They shall prepare for you. 

[As she makes for the door on the right she nearly 

runs into Ivar the White who enters from without. 

She starts back, then passes by him and out of the 

hall.] 

Knut 
[ Who has seated himself by the hearth-table, speaking 

without a movement or sign of acknowledgment.] 

'Tis a sharp air. 
How long till winter by your reckoning now? 

Ivar 
The leaves are yellow and red upon the tree. 
The fallen leaf is not yet withered up. 

Knut 
You have been through the woods then? 

Ivar 

Ay, since dawn 
I have slept an hour beneath the beeches, king. 

I58] 



Knut 
I would not bid you count the forest leaves : 
But one leaf hangs too many from the boughs, 
Which I would have you strip and drop to the Earth. 

IVAR 

He shall lie there this day. 

Knut 
It is the feast 
Of Michael. You shall find him worshipping 
At Luke's Church. He has grown too high of heart, 
He is too tall by a head. Go. Physic him. 
You know the path. 

IVAR 

I shall well find it, king. 

Knut 
[Passionately.] 
Kill him before he rise from off his knees. 
I would not have him stand on his feet again 
With God's peace in his heart. 

[IvAR goes. Knut rearranges the pieces on the board 
as they stood at the taking of his knight.] 

His queen was there ! 
[AsTRiD re-enters with three maids who carry dishes 

into the guest-chamber. ] 
Astrid, why will you go? Remain with me. 
Come closer; here by me. What, will you kneel? 
Then lay your arms so in my hands, and look 
More lovingly. I would not have you make 
Too base submission, sister. Why, you are grown 
Wondrously beautiful, my sister Astrid. 

[59] 



I never till this hour observed your wide 
Imperious forehead, fit for a king's crown. 

ASTRID 

Am I so altered in a night ? 

Knut 

Last night 
I would have said, "She is no tall woman. 
My sister!" But today you seem to me 
Above the rank of women, from the eyes up. 

ASTRID 

Are ten years sped since last we spake together? 

Knut 
Will you not kiss me? 

ASTRID 

Your hands were ever cool. 

Knut 
Your face is hot. 

ASTRID 

And what great deeds since then 
They tell of you, my brother! You have made 
Sveyn's work in England whole. 

Knut 

And your son Sveyn 
Is grown almost to manhood. 

ASTRID 

Knut, my brother. 

Knut 
Oh, glad king's daughter, what a kinglv son 

[60] 



Should this have been had you but matched with a king ! 
Was there in all the North no king for you 
When Sveyn our father dowered you for a bride? 
Astrid ! 

ASTRID 

I am*no queen at heart, I think, 
But only mistress in this house : the wife 
Of Ulf and mother of his noble child. 

Knut 
If I should show you wide dominions now 
And bid the proudest king of Europe lay 
His crown and sovranty before your feet ! 
Yes, this I'll do, — ^if it might make divorce 
Between the seed of Gorm and — 

Astrid 

Brother of mine. 
We are your subjects, loyal and whole of heart. 
Both my brave lord, my son, and I myself. 

Knut 
Well. I am held by many cares away 
From this my true dominion: I desire 
From southward seas to the eternal ice 
Peace, that the fruits of many wars may grow 
Ripe : and between us peace, before all other. 
Since we have been too long estranged. 

Astrid 

Yes, Knut. 
I too desire this peace. 

Knut 
It shall be made. 
[6i] 



I'll find a pledge that shall ensure it here . 
When I am gone. 

ASTRID 

And then in England rest 
Shall be with you, your sovranty assured 
On Danish coasts. 

Knut 

Assured in Ulf ? 

ASTRID 

In him. 
There's none in all the North of so great heart 
And loving loyalty to your line. And then 
Our son shall grow in reverence and strength 
'Of whole subjection to your sovran son, 
When we are old or dead. So Denmark still 
Shall be with England ardently conjoined 
By bonds of blood and true allegiance sworn, 
Which the wide sea between them shall not wash, 
Nor sundered interest blow like wind away. 

Knut 
Why, simple Astrid, this is but a dream. 
Are you so young yet ? 

Astrid 
You shall teach me more. 

Knut 
Have you no knowledge of the need of kings 
That you speak lightly thus of power conferred? 
Not in this manner can we keep in sway 
By brotherly embraces and soft words 
And recollection of a mother's kiss 
Turbulent spirits. Whom should a king trust? 

[62] 



ASTRID 

Those of his blood: those proved in battle and storm 
His servants. 

Knut 
I will trust no soul on earth. 
I must be lonely in mine eminence 
Above all others, I must not reveal 
My heart to any, but with a masked face 
And hidden motive issue my command. 
Therefore shall none question a king, but make 
Obedience swift: so is a throne maintained. 

ASTRID 

Leaning on loyal hearts. 

Knut 
[Rising and breaking from her.] 
No, by our God! 
On none but on myself alone, in face 
Of enmity and hatred, and the courts 
Of private conscience that in each man's heart 
Sit in a sterile judgment on the acts 
Of kings. And in this craft of sovranty 
Shall prosper none but he that's bred of kings. 
Kings and the sons of kings, and draws his blood 
From royal sources. Those soaring eagle-names : 
Gorm — Harald — Sveyn, that beat with mighty wings 
Against the winds of time and shall not droop — 
[She rises.] 

Of these if he be not descended, none 
Shall use the title or dispense the power 
Of king in Denmark — or on land or sea 
Where I have planted foot or set a sail. 

[63] 



ASTRID 

There's none here seeks to rob you — ■ 

Knut 
[Interrupting.] 

I'll show you now 
The game we played last night — how the Jarl Ulf 
Took my knight from me. Thus — 

ASTRID 

[Seating herself on the opposite side of the table.] 

I cannot tell 
How the game's lost or won. Nor should I know 
Why you move such a piece. 

Knut 

Do you confess 
You have no skill to follow my intent? 
You can not warn or praise me in this play? 

ASTRID 

No. 

Knut 
See, I take this knight. Is it no more 
Than slaughter in your eyes? 

ASTRID 

I see not else 
Why you have taken it. 

Knut 

Now your own lips 
Forbid the daughters of old kings to breed 
Kings, save they be themselves in marriage matched 
With kings. 

[64] 



ASTRID 

Then show me. I will quickly learn. 

Knut 
You have not skill, nor that authority 
To judge the actions of a man. Still more 
Might you misjudge the motives of a king. 

ASTRID 

I say that I shall learn. 

[IvAR returns with a red sword in his hand. Astrid 
sees him over Knut's shoulder. Knut reads from 
her face what has happened: he looks on the hoard 
and speaks as if musing deeply on the game.] 

Knut 
Is it done, Ivar? 

IVAR 

King, it is finished. On the bay there rides 

A galley ready set to slip her cable. 

What order now, king? 

[Knut makes 710 sign. Ivar wheels and goes out.] 

Astrid 
What — is finished, sire? 

Knut 
He should have given me my knight again. 

Astrid 

Sire, what is finished? 

Knut 
Is there anything 
Irrevocable but the breath of man? 

[651 



ASTRID 

[Rising.] 
Knut, tell me — brother! The red sword has done 
Justice on some offender, but hath severed 
No bond we spoke of ! Nay, I fear not that. 
You are my brother and this day have taken 
My face between your hands and kissed my mouth ? 

Knut 
All that was mortal now put out of mind — 
My love, and all remembrances between us, 
And listen to a king, daughter of Sveyn. 
A thistle springing under an oak's shade 
May linger till some ass snatch off its head. 
But if another oak spring there, because 
There is not soil nor light nor air for two 
The careful gardener cuts the weaker off. 
For life must take in power at every breath. 
And, as we breathe continually, without pause 
Make every hour a well wherein to dip 
And draw up water of vitality. 
So this great vein of kingship that's in me, 
This royal life, demandeth sustenance 
And careful tending. Think you that for tears 
And womanish fears, or for my own remorse, 
I will forego the nurture of this life? 
[The maids come out of the guest-chamber followed 

by Gylle bearing a cup. The maids go out to the 

right. ] 

Gylle 
Will you break fast, sire? 

Knut 
I shall come anon. 
[66] 



[Gylle returns to the guest-room.] 

Now in these Autumn days the leaves fall off 
To fertilize the Earth for the new spring. 
So must life go io quicken and renew 
Life. And my gardener Ivar hath this day 
Uprooted from my soil your husband Ulf. 

[She has foreseen it and remains immovable.] 

Daughter of Sveyn, doth not the blood of Gorm 
Leap in your heart with joy that you should learn 
How a king's life must be refreshed and fed? 
Now I will go to breakfast. 

[He goes.] 

ASTRID 

Presently 
I shall remember. 

[She thinks in agony.] 

Horse and galley ! Sveyn ! 

[Swiftly she gathers up Ulf's sword and shield, then 
goes out of doors and passes to the right. In an 
instant she has returned with the saddled horse, 
which she hooks by the bridle to the bolt-staple of 
the door. Then she looks down the road.] 

No one in sight — no one in sight — no one — 

[She breaks off, seeing Sveyn, and returns to the table, 
taking up the sword and belt. Sveyn rushes in, 
breathless, speechless. She holds out the belt to gird 
on him.] 

Quickly, Sveyn. 

[67] 



SVEYN 

Father ! 

ASTRID 

Oh, son! 

SvEYN 

Father, father! 

ASTRID 

Hush. Let me gird you. 

SvEYN 

Oh, my father! 

ASTRID 

[Sternly.] 

Sveyn ! 
Sveyn ! 

Sveyn 
It sHd in between his shoulders — he 
Fell on his face, and the blade stood up straight. 
Shaking — oh, mother, mother. 

[He buries his face in her bosom, sobbing without 
tears. Ivar appears in the doorway unnoticed with 
his long bow in his hand.] 

ASTRID 

[Holding Sveyn off and almost shaking him.] 
You are a man. 
Sveyn, you are made a man by a man's death. 
Take a man's sword and Hsten. 

[She buckles it on him.] 

Can you hear? 
[68] 



SVEYN 

Yes. 

ASTRID 

You must ride now to the shore. A ship 
Will take you on this wind to Sweden. Go, 

[IvAR strings his bozv.] 
And bide with Onund till I come to you. 
Have you heard all? 

[She rises to her feet. Ivar slips out of sight to the 
right of the house, drawing an arrow from his quiver 
as he goes.] 

SvEYN 

I must remain with you. 

ASTRID 

You shall obey me, Sveyn. Get hence. No word ! 

I am safe, being his sister — or, if not, 

You cannot in this peril help me, boy. 

You must be saved, because to you all lives 

Must henceforth be devoted. 

SvEYN 

[Trying the sword.] 

It is too long — 
I cannot draw it. 

ASTRID 

[Stripping away the scabbard.] 
Wear it naked then. 
And when you need it cut the strings with the edge, 
And never put it into sheath again. 
Now mount. I will not kiss you till we meet 
In Sweden. 

[69] 



[As she takes him to the door KnIut enters with his 
napkin in his hand and watches her.] 
Ride, Sveyn, ride ! 
[She strikes the horse with the sword-sheath and it 
gallops away.] 

He is safe — he is safe ! 

Knut 
Is Sveyn for Norway or for Sweden bound? 

[IvAR appears with an arrow drawn to the head.] 

IVAR 

For hell, king ! — I can hit him yet. 

ASTRID 

Shoot — shoot ! 
I will stake all to stablish him — or lose! 

Knut 
Stay your hand, Ivar ! Who hath bidden you kill ? 
I have already gathered up the strand 
Of my strong-woven life that was let drop 
In this house, and I have already drunk 
The stream of my wide being. Let him go. 

[IvAR sullenly departs.] 
Have you no thanks that I have spared his life? 

ASTRID 

No. You have nothing spared: but his own life 
That's in him to be lived — the life of Ulf 
And me that we have given him — over that 
You had not power. You have let fall a thread — 
You have damm'd up one tributary stream 

[70] 



That shall break down its banks and flood you out. 

For he shall yet be crowned and sit, a king, 

In Denmark here — no son of yours, but he, 

My Sveyn, — living his own life, — ^bringing naught 

To yours, while English earth consumes your bones. 

Knut 
Cherish your dreams, my sister. Night shall be 
Less solitary and the days less slow 
If through the grievous truth you pass in dreams 
Clad, for perpetual triumph. Here is mine, 
A stouter witness to the strength in me. 
[They bring in the body of Jarl Ulf and lay him on 

the hearth-table, then withdraw.] 
Do I seem taller by a head? In sooth 
I am stronger by this strength I have consumed. 

ASTRID 

[Turning on him from the body.] 
To this dead man you owe the life in you. 
He might have left you under Swedish w^hips 
Still howling ! 

Knut 
Nay, for there is that in me 
Compelled him to deliver me. His life 
Had else no purpose. Now it is fulfilled. 

ASTRID 

He might have killed you in your sleep last night, 
And you have murdered him upon his knees. 

Knut 
He should not have relented, but to take 
My strength he should have killed me. I could not 

[71] 



spare him. I have mixed no passion in my will 
But envy and anger purged from my resolve, 
By midnight thought and gentle morning sleep, 
Before I swept to it. 

ASTRID 

But within my soul 
They live the more to impel my mind with passion 
To move to ultimate account with you. 
Be not too passionless lest you leave naught 
But withered stocks for sons. For he lives yet. 
This man whom you have murdered, perfected 
He lives that was imperfect, in his son. 
For I henceforth in hatred and suspicion 
Will breed the boy that hath his father's fault 
Of honesty and faith and gentleness. 
For I have that of Sigrid and of Sveyn 
Which you inherit: and so much more of you 
I have learnt to teach him. 

Knut 
[Wiping Ulf's bloody mouth with his napkin.] 

He will bleed no more. 
The fount is dry. The stream can flow not long. 

ASTRID 

[As he turns to go back to breakfast.] 
The stream is flowing for ever and evermore. 

[He makes no reply, but disappears. Then she, with 
fierce sobs and dry eyes, bares her breasts and lays 
the desecrated head upon them, kissing the defiled 
mouth.] 

CURTAIN 

[72] 




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